Bell, AAI Launch Manned-Unmanned Development Lab

By Staff Writer | April 11, 2012

Observation/Patrol, Unmanned

Textron subsidiaries Bell Helicopter and AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems have started construction on a Manned Unmanned Operations (MUMO) capability development laboratory in Huntsville, Ala. The R&D facility will allow testing of software and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) using systems specific to manned-unmanned teaming. According to Bell, the laboratory will support the U.S. Army’s UAS roadmap, including “exploratory concepts and technology demonstrations,” in addition to providing an manned-unmanned simulation environment to support individual operator needs. The MUMO complex is located next to the Shadow Tactical UAS HWIL system integration lab (SIL). The area will also serve as an expansion site for the Kiowa Warrior OH-58D baseline simulation facility. Bell/AAI plans to open the MUMO lab in late 2012.Related:Unmanned Helicopter News